Patrick Henry Welch II

ORONO – Born to Agnes Hasey and H. Leroy Welch, Pat grew up in Westbrook, where he married his teenage sweetheart, Jeannette Lavigne, fathered four children with her, and celebrated 71 years of marriage before Jeannette died in 2017. It is an understatement to say they were devoted to each other.

Following service in the Navy during World War II, Pat earned two master’s degrees, one from the University of Maine in chemical engineering and a Master of Science from the University of Massachusetts.

For many years he put his knowledge and experience to work for and at Great Northern Paper Company in Millinocket. After the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, Pat played a key role in developing systems to address the company’s pollution into the Penobscot River. He considered that work a highlight of his career.

Civic and community-minded, Pat was well-known for playing and coaching hockey, served as a town councilor, and was a devoted and active congregant at St. Martins of Tours in Millinocket. Pat had a fine singing voice and was an accomplished pianist, which served him well in many community theater productions and musicals. An avid sportsman, Pat took great pleasure and satisfaction in hunting and fishing — some of which could be done from Pat and Jeannette’s beloved camp at South Twin Lake.

Pat will live on in the hearts and memories of many friends, nieces, nephews, and especially his children, Cathy Welch Plummer and her husband Cliff Plummer of Westbrook, Tim Welch and his wife Nola Welch of Millinocket, Pat Welch and his wife Ellen Pope of Southwest Harbor, and Chris Welch Rinaldi and her husband Tony Rinaldi of Westbrook; as well as his beloved grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren.

A private graveside service will honor Pat and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers,

contributions may

be made to:

St. Martins of Tours

in Millinocket or:

St. Anthony’s

in Westbrook